Friday December 17, 2010 - Kokyat and I went out to the Triskelion Studios in Brooklyn where dancers Yuki Ishiguro (in black) and Kentaro Kikuchi (in white) were rehearsing a work-in-progress. Click the above image to enlarge.
We had seen Yuki dancing with isadoraNOW earlier this Autumn and he made such a pleasing impression that I kept in touch with him.He told me that he and his friend Kentaro were creating a dance work together and invited Kokyat and me to see what they've come up with.
Kentaro Kikuchi held the Japanese championship title in aerobic gymnastics three years running and was ranked 3rd in the world competition in 2007. He retired from the sport at age 23 (!) and is now focusing on dance.
The light in the studio was fantastic and the two boys, quiet and courteous, greeted us and then went on about their work. Tirelessly they skimmed the floor and flew into the air in a breathtaking fusion style incorporating elements of ballet, contemporary and breakdance.
They've devised a score which includes both Arvo Part and some rhythmic passages to their liking.
Moments of lyricism and repose...
...suddenly erupt into flights of fancy.
Here are more of Kokyat's images from this rehearsal:
Kentaro
Yuki
The 90 minute session went by so fast and we headed out into the frigid air leaving the two boys to stretch and unwind after their demanding workout. Their discipline is as impressive as their talent. I hope they will have a chance to show their work in the coming year.
A gallery of more images of Yuki and Kentaro here.
Wow, these guys are incredible. Great photography from Kokyat too.
Posted by: Max | December 18, 2010 at 10:57 AM
The photos are wonderful. I'll really looking forward to seeing the piece. I believe they will premeire excerpts from the work with Dance Visions www.newyorkdancing.net, a company Yuki has been working with for the past year, in our upcoming programs in Hewlett and in Jericho LI in February and in March.
Posted by: Beth Jucovy | December 19, 2010 at 09:30 AM
The look of pure joy on Kentaro's face is wonderful. Hope to be able to see the piece when they are ready to show it.
Posted by: Carron | December 20, 2010 at 03:14 PM